1. Write the balanced molecular equation:
BaCl₂(aq) + Pb(C₂H₃O₂)₂(aq) → Ba(C₂H₃O₂)₂(aq) + PbCl₂(s)
2. Write the complete ionic equation:
This involves breaking down all soluble ionic compounds into their respective ions:
Ba²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) + Pb²⁺(aq) + 2C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq) → Ba²⁺(aq) + 2C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq) + PbCl₂(s)
3. Identify the spectator ions:
Spectator ions are those that appear on both sides of the equation and do not participate in the reaction. In this case, the spectator ions are Ba²⁺(aq) and C₂H₃O₂⁻(aq).
4. Write the net ionic equation:
This is the equation that only includes the ions that directly participate in the reaction:
Pb²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → PbCl₂(s)
Therefore, the net ionic equation for the reaction between barium chloride and lead acetate is Pb²⁺(aq) + 2Cl⁻(aq) → PbCl₂(s).